Navigating Denver International Airport (DEN) can feel overwhelming due to its massive scale and unusual layout. Unlike traditional airports with linear concourses attached directly to ticketing hubs, DEN features a single central landside building separated entirely from three distinct, parallel concourses. Knowing how the Jeppesen Terminal connects to Concourses A, B, and C saves time, prevents missed connections, and removes airport anxiety.
The airport layout consists of the main Jeppesen Terminal (famous for its iconic white tent roof) handle ticketing, security, and baggage claim, while all gates sit across the tarmac in Concourses A, B, and C. Passengers clear security in the main terminal, drop down to the underground train, and ride out to their departure gates.
Jeppesen Terminal Layout and Levels
The Jeppesen Terminal is the central hub for all landside operations. It's divided vertically into multiple levels, and mixing them up is a common mistake for first-time visitors.
- Level 6 (Departures & Ticketing): This is where you arrive if you're being dropped off by car or taxi. It houses airline ticket counters, baggage drop desks, and the primary North, South, East, and West security checkpoints.
- Level 5 (Baggage Claim & Arrivals): This floor handles arriving passengers. Baggage carousels are split by airline, and this is where you exit to access ground transportation, rideshares, and the public transit center.
- Level 4 (Passenger Pickup & Train Access): Used primarily for active passenger pickup. This level also provides escalators and elevators down to the underground Automated Guideway Transit System (AGTS) train station that connects to the concourses.
The terminal is further split into East and West sides. Check your airline before you arrive—dropping off on the West side for an East-side airline means a long indoor walk across the crowded terminal.
Understanding Concourses A, B, and C
Beyond security, DEN's three concourses stretch across the airfield. They do not connect to each other above ground, meaning you must use the underground train or pedestrian pathways to move between them.
- Concourse A: Handles a mix of low-cost carriers, international arrivals, and select major airlines like United, Delta, and American. Concourse A is unique because you can reach it either by taking the underground train or by walking across the pedestrian A-Bridge directly from the main terminal.
- Concourse B: The primary hub for United Airlines, which accounts for roughly 40% of all airport traffic. It's the largest concourse and features extensive dining and lounge options. It is accessible only via the underground train.
- Concourse C: Primarily anchored by Southwest Airlines, alongside other carriers like Delta and Alaska. Like Concourse B, it requires taking the underground train.
Because the train system operates entirely within the secure zone, you don't need to clear security again if you're connecting from one concourse to another.
Security Checkpoints and Expedited Lanes
Denver Airport operates security checkpoints on Level 6 of the Jeppesen Terminal (East and West sides) as well as select checkpoints directly inside the concourses. Wait times can fluctuate wildly depending on the time of day, largely due to Denver's heavy bank of morning departures.
If you have TSA PreCheck or CLEAR+, make sure you follow the dedicated signage upon entering Level 6. For travelers without trusted traveler memberships, booking a free time slot in advance using DEN Reserve allows you to bypass the general queue entirely during peak hours.
Ground Transportation and Parking
Getting away from the terminal depends on your mode of transit.
- Rideshares (Uber and Lyft): Pickups are located on Level 5 outside baggage claim on Island 3. Follow the overhead signs out of the terminal doors.
- Taxis and TNCs: Taxis queue up on Island 1 of Level 5.
- Public Transit: The Regional Transportation District (RTD) A-Line commuter train connects DEN directly to downtown Denver's Union Station. The station sits just outside the Westin Hotel attached to the south end of the terminal.
- Parking: Garages are located immediately outside the terminal (Hourly Parking), while economy lots (Pikes Peak, Mt. Elbert) require a short shuttle ride to the terminal doors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I walk between Concourses A, B, and C?
You can walk between the Jeppesen Terminal and Concourse A using the pedestrian A-Bridge, but you cannot walk to Concourses B or C. Those require taking the underground train.
What happens if I accidentally take the train back to the main terminal?
If you ride the underground train back to the Jeppesen Terminal from the concourses, you exit the secure area. To get back to your gate, you must go back upstairs and re-clear security through the TSA checkpoints.
Where do international flights land at DEN?
All international flights without border pre-clearance arrive at Concourse A. Passengers then clear customs and immigration at the Federal Inspection Station located on Level 5 of the Jeppesen Terminal.
Which airline uses Concourse B?
Concourse B is dominated almost entirely by United Airlines and its regional partners. If you're flying United, you will almost certainly depart from or arrive at Concourse B.
